California Citrus Mutual touts sustainability

California Citrus Mutual has released a 20-page report highlighting the industry’s sustainability practices and other contributions.

Half of the state’s $2 billion citrus crop is navel oranges. More than 40,000 acres of mandarins have been planted in the San Joaquin Valley in the last seven years, according to the report, “Producing a Legacy: Sustainable California Citrus.”

It highlights the industry’s contributions to developing low-volume irrigation systems — such as fan jet or drip lines — and biological pest control. Efforts to maintain soil quality and control erosion are outlined.

“Today there is a vast amount of information available, yet a lack of knowledge continues to persist among those not directly involved in agriculture,” Joel Nelsen, president of Exeter, Calif.-based California Citrus Mutual, said in a news release. “The California citrus industry is justifiably proud of its heritage and continues to learn and adopt practices for a sustainable future.”

A printed copy of the report can be obtained from Alyssa Nichols, director of public affairs at the trade association, at alyssa@cacitrusmutual.com or 559-592-3790.